Block Instant Messaging and Chat on Your Kid’s Phone [ASUS Routers]

When enforcing the rules of the house, it helps to have a little technological help. If you have an ASUS router, the built-in parental controls can ensure that your “no texting” rule is followed. With just a few clicks on your router setup page, you can block popular instant messaging and chat apps and websites on your kid’s phone, tablet, or laptop. This includes WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, Twitter, Skype, Kik, Line, Google Hangouts and others. Here’s how to do it:

Before you begin, make sure you have an ASUS router. If you have another brand of router with AiProtection or Trend Micro security, there may be a similar feature, but these steps were written using an ASUS RT-AC3200.

In the client list, click the drop-down menu and look for the device you want to block. If the device has been connected to the network, it’ll show up here automatically.

Put a check mark by Instant Message and Communication. (Try to ignore the horribly broken English on this page.)

Click the plus sign.

Click apply.

Your router will take a few minutes to apply the settings. Now, if your child tries to use an instant messaging app, it simply won’t work. Here’s a screenshot of the Facebook Messenger app with it blocked—it just spins and spins and never loads.

This, of course, is just one piece of the puzzle. It won’t work if they are using mobile data. They can also use normal SMS and text messages if you haven’t blocked or disabled these features on their phone. If you want to do that, you can usually block these services for a single line via your mobile carrier.

Also, while we are here, this is the same page where you can block Adult, P2P and file transfer, and Streaming and Entertainment content. Just check the appropriate box and hit the plus sign. If you’re interested in blocking all internet access at a certain time, check out our article on time scheduling with an ASUS router.

Do you allow your kids to send text and use instant messages? Why or why not? Tell me about it in the comments.